Bible Study Lesson:

Matthew 1:1-17

You may wonder what can we possibly learn from the genealogy of Jesus? It is just an account of the family tree of Jesus.  Why then, does Matthew give a detailed account of Jesus’ lineage?

• Matthew is primarily writing to the Jews. So, it is important for him to establish his (Jesus’) roots. After all, Kings don’t appear suddenly, they must belong to a royal lineage. If Jesus is Messiah, he must fulfill the most basic requirement. He must be from the line of Abraham and King David.
• Compare this genealogy with the one given by Luke in Luke 3: 23-38. Luke was writing mainly to Gentiles. So he begins with Adam, while Matthew begins with Abraham.

Group Exercise:

Try to trace back your own family roots. How far can you trace back?  Genealogy sounds often boring, unless you are related to it. It is often very exciting to find and discover our family roots. We, humans have this inner sense of eagerness to find where we came from. Scientists have even gone back further than Adam (or first human) to answer this question.

Historical Perspective:

• There had been 400 years of silence from God to the Jews.
• No Prophets, No communication from God!
• Expectation grew for the ‘Messiah’ – the deliverer, Savior among the Jews, especially since the Jews were ruled by the Romans.
• ‘Messiah’ – means the anointed one. (’Christ’ in English) Matthew clearly declares true identity of Jesus. He is long-awaited Messiah, the savior, Son of David and Abraham.
• It is quite unusual that he mentions four women in the ancestral line of Jesus. Rahab and Ruth had played prominent roles in the history of Israel.
• Joseph is referred as ‘husband of Mary’, not as ‘father of Jesus’ – pointing toward the virgin birth. (Joseph – Father of Jesus)

Applications:

God works through history. His actions are not random, but very planned. Matthew also establishes strong connection with Old testament. New testament does not nullify OT, but it is built on OT.

More Bible Study Lessons:

• Three Magi’s Visit to King of the Jews – Matthew 2:1-12 | Bible Lesson
• King Herod & Escape to Egypt
• Joseph in the Gospel of Matthew – Matthew 1:18-25 | Bible Study
• Blessed are the Peacemakers – Beatitudes Bible Study Series | Part 7 of 8
• Jesus Heals the Blind Man – Bartimaeus – Mark 10:46-52 | Bible Study